Selling Your Home? Consider Changing the Locks Before Showings Begin
Preparing a home for sale usually brings to mind staging, photography, repairs, and pricing. But there’s another detail worth considering before your home begins welcoming prospective buyers: your locks and keys.
Over the years, copies of your house keys may have been given to relatives, neighbors, contractors, housekeepers, pet sitters, former tenants, or other service providers. You may no longer know exactly how many keys exist—or who still has one.
A Simple Step for Greater Peace of Mind
Before your home officially goes on the market, consider rekeying or replacing the exterior locks and limiting the number of new keys in circulation.
Once the locks are changed, keep the new key distribution intentional. Ideally, only the people who genuinely need ongoing access should have a key.
During a listing, sellers may also authorize the use of a lockbox so cooperating real estate professionals can access the property for approved showings. Coldwell Banker’s listing agreement specifically provides for seller authorization of an electronic or combination lockbox containing a property key for access by cooperating agents.
Why This Matters During a Sale
Selling your home temporarily changes how your property is accessed. Photographers, inspectors, appraisers, contractors, real estate professionals, and prospective buyers may all visit at different stages of the transaction.
That makes controlled access especially important.
Changing or rekeying your locks before listing can help you:
- Reduce the number of old keys potentially in circulation.
- Establish a fresh starting point for property access.
- Better control who receives a key while your home is listed.
- Create greater peace of mind during showings.
- Make the final key handoff to the buyer more organized.
And while you’re preparing for showings, take another important precaution: secure or remove valuables, medications, financial documents, jewelry, spare keys, and other sensitive personal items. Coldwell Banker’s listing agreement specifically advises sellers about safeguarding or removing valuables when a lockbox is used.
Your Home Should Feel Secure While It’s Being Sold
A sophisticated selling strategy isn’t only about attracting the right buyer. It’s also about thoughtfully managing the home—and the homeowner’s experience—from preparation through closing.
Small details such as controlling keys, securing valuables, establishing showing procedures, and confirming the property is locked after appointments can make the selling experience feel more organized and calm.
At The Original Sophisticated Lady Properties, my approach is designed around thoughtful preparation, expert guidance, and an elevated client experience.
Thinking about selling your Chicago home? Let’s begin with a Seller Strategy Consultation and create a plan tailored to your property, your goals, and your next chapter.
Schedule Your Consultation Today: https://calendly.com/osl-properties
Kesha Watson, REALTOR® | PSA
The Original Sophisticated Lady Properties
Coldwell Banker Realty
Direct: 708-297-6599
Where Timeless Elegance Meets Real Estate Excellence 🥂